ICC disappointed with Salman Butt appointment as expert

Karachi, Feb 16 (PTI) The International Cricket Councilis not happy that a Pakistani television channel has employedbanned Salman Butt as an expert for the coverage of the WorldCup.

The ICC said though the channel has no relationship withthem, the decision to employ Butt was disappointing.

"We are not satisfied with this appointment and we havewritten to Tribunal chairman, Michael Beloff to enquirewhether this could be viewed as a breach of the terms of hissuspended sentence," ICC CEO, Haroon Lorgat said in astatement after the executive board meeting in Dubai.

Channel Five has employed Butt, who was handed a minimumfive-year ban by the ICC anti-corruption tribunal on February5 along with teammates, Mohammed Asif and Muhammad Aamer forbeing involved in spot-fixing on the tour to England lastyear.

But an official of the channel said the appointment ofButt had nothing to do with his suspension.

"He is a former Pakistan captain and expert and we arejust taking his expert views on the tournament," he said.

Butt who is based in Lahore also hoped that the ICC andPakistan Cricket Board would not make an issue out of hisworking for the channel.

"It is the only way for me to have some links withcricket. And as it is my sentence is suspended and I stillhave the right to appeal against the ban in the internationalcourt of arbitration for sports," Butt said.

The former captain said the terms of his suspension saidhe could not take part in any cricket activity or event whichcomes under preview of the ICC or any of its member boards.

Ehsan Mani the former President of the ICC backed thedecision to ask Michael Beloff to review the situation.

"It is necessary because the ICC has to show it is not aweak body and it has the ability to enforce the decisions ofits committees," Mani said.

He pointed out that ethically it was wrong for thechannel to employ Butt for a major event like the World Cup.

"He has been banned for corruption and what sort ofmessage do you send out by having a penalised person giveexpert comments during the tournament."

The PCB has made it clear that while it is not happy withthe decision of the channel to employ Butt but it can''tintervene in the matter since the channel is neither a rightholders or partner with either the ICC or PCB.